Companies House: Proof of Identity

(asked on 1st July 2025) - View Source

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the accessibility of the new Companies House identity verification system; who pays for the third-party ID verification service connected to that system; and what the annual cost is for that system.


Answered by
Justin Madders Portrait
Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
This question was answered on 4th July 2025

The Companies House identity verification (IDV) system is provided by GOV.UK One Login (‘the service’) delivered by the Government Digital Service (GDS).

Inclusivity and accessibility is a top priority. The service offers simple online content, in-person IDV at the Post Office where appropriate and contact centre assistance. Regular user research and testing with people from various backgrounds and needs ensures the service works for as many people as possible.

Some parts of the service are provided by third-parties. The service is centrally funded to provide IDV across central government, including Companies House


As an alternative, Companies House accepts IDV via Authorised Corporate Service Providers.

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